What type of connections does a VPN typically facilitate?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is designed to securely connect private networks or individual users to remote locations over the internet. The primary function of a VPN is to create a secure and encrypted connection between a user's device and a remote server or network, which can be either a part of a larger private network or simply a secure point for accessing the internet.

By facilitating connections between private networks and remote hosts, a VPN allows users to access resources as if they were directly connected to the private network, even when they are physically located elsewhere. This capability is especially useful for remote work, where employees can connect to their company's network securely from home or while traveling. The encryption involved in VPNs also ensures that data transmitted between the user and the remote host is kept private and secure from potential eavesdroppers.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of a VPN. While local area network (LAN) connections and connections within corporate networks may utilize VPNs for secure remote access, they do not represent the full scope of what VPNs are intended for. Similarly, while VPNs can provide secure access when using public Wi-Fi, this is a specific use case rather than a defining characteristic of VPN functionality.